Memorial Day observation program returns to Langston
Langston will once again honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to the country with a Memorial Day observation, 11 a.m. Monday at Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street in Langston.
According to a news release, 'veterans, their families and friends, and the public are respectfully invited to assemble to observe Memorial Day.
'We will again provide an opportunity for citizens of this area to join the many U.S. Citizens across the nation as we reflect on the countless individuals who served in our military and lost their lives during wars or other military actions since the founding of our nation. Again, this year, we will come together with the families and communities of those who were lost and those who returned,' the release states.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Clifford Stanley, a reverend and retired US Marine Corps major general.
'Having completed a 33-year distinguished career with the Marine Corps, our speaker rose to the position of Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; serving as the senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and benefits for 1.4 million active duty military personnel, 1.3 million Guard and Reserve personnel, 680,000 DoD civilians, and was responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness,' the release reads. 'His last position was as the Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Additionally, he served as the Marine Corps Principal Representative to the Joint Requirements Board which supported the Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in fulfilling his responsibilities, as well as in various other positions.'
Stanley is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Divinity degree from the United Lutheran Seminary.
'His formal military education includes, in part, Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College, Honor Graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College and National War College,' the release said. 'Dr. Stanley earned his Doctorate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from South Carolina State University and Spalding University. Additionally, he holds a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from The Medical University of South Carolina and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Stillman College.
'Our speaker's military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. His civilian awards include receiving the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (N.A.A.C.P.) Meritorious Service Award, the N.A.A.C.P. Roy Wilkins Award, and the American Legion Award for Inspirational Leadership. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.'
Stanley is an adviser and assessor with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and is an associate minister in Philadelphia.
'The master of ceremony is a fantastic, returning Memorial Day Speaker, Mr. Marlon T. James. A native of Oklahoma City, he attended Langston while simultaneously serving in the Oklahoma National Guard and was a cadet in the Army ROTC Broncho Battalion at the University of Central Oklahoma! He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Langston University in 1995, and days later, he received an active-duty commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army,' the release reads. 'Marlon has been stationed all around the world and throughout his 23 years in the Armed Forces, he has held positions of increased responsibility in leadership, management, operations, and human resources. Marlon was fortunate to command two companies, including one in combat, where he was awarded the Bronze Star due to his actions in combat.'
James works at Tinker Air Force base in civil service as an acquisition program manager. He is on the Langston University Foundation Board of Directors.
'The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens is pleased to complete the display of flags for each military branch in the Gardens' stately Flag Pavilion. The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947,' the release reads. 'The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. With the cooperation of the OSU ROTC Program, U.S. Space Force Cadet Alexander Turner Camacho, will officially raise the U.S. SPACE FORCE FLAG with remarks by WCVMG Trustee Dr. Kermit McMurray and the Space Force Hymn played by U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann.
'Stillwater resident, Mr. James Horn, an outstanding Marine and a resolute supporter of the WCVMG will introduce his fellow Marine, Dr. Stanley. It was through his diligent efforts that we are privileged to have this distinguished speaker for our Memorial Day Program.'
Music will be provided by vocalists Isaac B Coleman, Jr. and Nalha Casby.
'This year's program will again welcome an Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base; Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., New Hope Baptist Church; and the Mistress of Ceremony from our 2024 Veterans Day Program, our own Langston 'Darling' – Ms. LaVonne Lee (Dallas) who will do a tribute to Ms. Rita Graham who penned the signature Memorial Day Poem for the Gardens,' the release said. 'The WCVMG will host a 'Morning Coffee and Pastry Reception' at 10 a.m. to give attendees the opportunity to meet our speaker and other program participants. The program will start promptly at 11 a.m. All guests are invited to fellowship with our Veterans following the program at a Community Picnic with Lunch sponsored by the Gardens and the Town of Langston City.'
The observance can also be viewed live on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Facebook page.
'Army Veteran and Langston native Stewart A. Williams is the founder/developer of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. He and his wife Maeoma have worked tirelessly to find ways for others to honor our U.S. Veterans. From the official groundbreaking ceremony that was held 10 years ago on July 4, 2015, to the Grand Opening Ceremony held on October 1, 2022, Veterans and the public have been invited to the Gardens to 'Honor all who served,' the release reads. 'To make a Capital Campaign Pledge and/or to request to purchase a Military ID Tag for yourself or your favorite Veteran(s), please email: wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@gmail.com or send by US mail to PO Box 27 Langston, OK 73050. Cash donations can be made to Cash App: $wmcveteransmg. All donations are tax deductible.'
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